BOOKAAR bowler Greg Teal made sure his rare foray into the club’s division one team was a day to remember when he snared his first hat-trick.

The 44-year-old can usually be found leading the Pelicans’ division two side, but with the second XI forced to forfeit due to low numbers and the top team also short, Teal stepped up to help make numbers.

On Saturday, the result may have already been decided when he came in to bowl – reigning premier Heytesbury Rebels had passed Bookaar’s total of 110 without losing a wicket – but Teal’s hat-trick gave the Pelicans cause to celebrate.

“I’ve played cricket for 30 years and this is my first hat-trick,” he said.

“I’m 44 years old and to get a hat-trick … against last year’s premiers in division one is just a dream come true.”

Teal’s first scalp came via a catch when the ball with hit to point, while the second delivery was bowled.

The left-armer ensured his third delivery was bowled a good length and when it swung back into Rebels batsman Sam Newey’s pad, the Pelicans appealed for leg before wicket.

“When the umpire put his finger up, the boys just pounced on me,” Teal said.

Bookaar president Stephen Fitzgerald congratulated Teal, who finished with 4-44, on his haul.

“The game was already over, but it put a bit of fun back into the game and got our boys up and about,” he said.

Last summer, Teal snared 6-17 and 5-13 in consecutive weeks in division two.